http://www.sheknows.com/articles/home-and-gardening/organizing-and-cleaningWed, 29 Jul 2015 14:09:00 -0700http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1091085/cleaning-tips-for-back-to-school
And just like that, we are talking about Back to School.While it was fun to spend our mornings with our toes in the sand, it's time to get our heads back in the books. Routines, schedules and structure — oh my! If you feel like you need a little help shaking off the chlorine, here's a crash course on cleaning your house now that school is officially in session:

1. Shoes off

It's important to make sure that playdate mates know this rule right out of the gate. When friends come over, they must take off their shoes. Have a mat by the front door and make sure your children offer up some encouragement.

2. Wash hands before snacks

As soon as the kids drop their school bags on the floor, have them head right into the bathroom to rinse the day away. Do they need a constant reminder? Then take a tip from me and leave them a little note on the mirror. Make this step officially part of your routine.

3. Sharing is caring... but not always

Teach your children that it's great to share toys, books and items from their room... but never straws, lip balm or cups. A cold loves to spread! Don't make it easy! My children understand that they should never share anything that comes in contact with their eyes our mouths. Better safe than sorry.

4. Weekly room overhaul

Oh yes. Every single weekend, make sure your children clean out their corners, closets and underneath their beds. My daughter, in particular, loves to stash items from school all around her room. What's the result? Piles and piles of unnecessary stuff just lying around. I start out the school year sitting alongside her and talking her through the process and then eventually allowing her to work on her own.

5. Daily wipe downs

Grab Clorox® Disinfectant Wipes and wipe down school bags, lunch boxes, kitchen tables, islands and more during the school year and beyond. So easy to use and complete with a cold virus fighting ingredient, these wipes are one of Mom's best defense and offense against germs, dirt and grease.

6. Fridge and Pantry Maintenance

Once a week, make sure all of your food is still fresh and edible. Concentrate on both the fridge and pantry cabinets. Whatever has expired or staled should be trash so that you can make room for upcoming leftovers. Give the shelves a nice wipe down, then hit the market and restock..

7. Laundry

Make sure you are keeping your linens clean. A general rule of thumb is to wash your towels after every bath and to change your bed sheets once a week. Pillowcases should be swapped out twice a week if possible. Get the kids involved if they are of age.

So what do you think? Do you have any tips you'd like to share for back to school cleaning? Keep your family healthy and happy this back-to-school season and be sure to check out those Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. They are really amazing at removing germs, bacteria, kitchen grease, and countless other nasties you'll find lurking in your home. The wipes kill 99.9 percent of germs that can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, 99.9 percent of Viruses* and Bacteria—as well as Staph, E. Coli, Salmonella and Strep!

More in home:

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1084504/infographic-the-dos-whats-and-donts-of-organizing-your-pantryFri, 17 Jul 2015 12:30:00 -0700http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1085142/diy-wall-organizer
Looking for a cool wall organizer idea? Try this idea.It's not a secret that industrial elements are trending in interior decorating. One of my favorite ways to introduce it at home is by adding metal elements, like the iron mesh wall organizer above the desk to keep all of my inspiration images and handy items in one place.

The instructions are very easy and it's super quick to do.

All you have to do is install the iron mesh on your wall and start pinning your everyday items and inspiring images!

What are your favorite organization ideas for your work space or home office?

More Home:

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1085142/diy-wall-organizerThu, 18 Jun 2015 16:00:00 -0700http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1080798/how-to-hide-the-necessary-yet-ugly-things-in-your-home
Keep your home looking pretty and organized with these 13 ways to keep the eyesores in your home out of view. Computer cords

Why, oh why, are so many computer cords necessary to power up one device? Conceal those maddening cords by making a peg board to hang behind your computer. Not only will it keep those computer cords hidden from the naked eye, it will make a great statement decor for your work space.

Router

Honest question, why is the router so ugly? Can't they make pretty cases for it like our smartphones? Well, you may not be able to buy the latest Kate Spade case for your router, but you can certainly make something even better with this lovely tutorial.

TV cords

Ever since wall-mounted flat screens came out, us clean freaks spazzed out. Where the heck are we supposed to hide those pesky, but much-needed cords? Blogger at Fresh Crush gave us the perfect solution: take shower rod, measure, cut, mount and voilà, no more ugly cords staring us in the face.

Cable box

DVR and Blu-ray player

If you don't want to do anything drastic to your home, but still want a convenient way to conceal your beloved DVD and Blu-ray player? Stack them in between like-colored books for a simple, yet appealing decor piece.

Lamp cords

For those of you who don't frequent the home storage solution aisle as much as the rest of us, there is a wonderful solution out there for those pesky lamp cords in your home. The 3M Command clear round cord clips can stick easily to your wall without any damage to your wall or your decor scheme (LD Printer & Office Supplies, $5).

Laundry needs

Similar to the flat screen TVs, we had a love it/hate it relationship with our new, efficient front-load washer and dryers no thanks to now having full view of the ugly cords and plumbing. However, this can be an easy fix with a curtain rod and a pretty little valance.

Charging devices

There's nothing worse than having a clean space and then seeing a messy smart device charger hanging from the wall. Sure, you can tuck them into a drawer after every use but how annoying is that to do day in and day out? Now, thanks to USB electrical outlets and a little drilling, you can make your very own charging station! How cool is that? (Amazon, $25)

If you are anything like me, you might find this DIY trick very useful. I tend to buy and collect a lot of interior and fashion magazines which, as we all know, take a lot of space, hence are not easy to store. After seeing a few storage ideas on the internet, I decided to give it a try myself and strap stacks of them with leather belts. This little trick turns piles of magazines into an interesting and stylish piece that can be displayed in any place around your home, such as on your bedside, under the coffee table or hallway, you decide. You might want to use old belts you already have at home, or get a few from a vintage or thrift store. In any case it's a budget idea to try out. What do you think?

Do you like this storage idea? Where do you keep your magazines?

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1083368/how-to-organize-your-magazines-and-journalsWed, 20 May 2015 16:00:00 -0700http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1080828/spring-cleaning-what-to-toss-and-what-to-upcycle
It's your favorite time of year: spring cleaning. And as you begin to dig through the trenches that you call home, it's time to either use your stuff or lose it. Here's your go-to guide on what you should hold onto and what you need to bid adieu to. Toss or donate

Extra cell phones: If you're saving your old Nokia to play secret games of Snake, it's time to part ways. While we do suggest you keep one that's with your provider to avoid having to pay costly fees if your current one breaks, it's time to let the others go. Donate the unused phones to a shelter, sell for some extra cash or recycle at a local retailer to avoid over-polluting the earth.

Old power cords: If you don't know what it's used for, then it's likely you don't need it anymore.

Books: You may be able to make a few dollars off of selling them to a local book dealer, Amazon or a yard sale, but if they're not your favorite, don't keep them.

Magazines: Unless you plan on making this amazing frame or have a huge love for creating poster collages, there's no point in holding onto your old magazines.

Greeting cards: Let's be honest, with online versions and Facebook messages, you probably aren't going to use that outdated box of greeting cards your mom gave you.

Plastic bottles: Plastic water bottles are prone to bacteria and chemical leaks and should only be used one to two times for drinking. Stay safe by using a reusable one that's way cuter and safer for the environment.

Old undies: Go ahead and throw socks and bras in this category as well. Because if it's worn out and smelly, it needs to be in the trash.

Store hangers: They're cheap and not very nice on your clothes. Toss your free store hangers for luxurious cloth hangers to make your clothes last longer.

Perfume: If it hasn't been sprayed in a few years, it probably has lost that original scent you loved so much. So unless the bottle is super cool and vintage, say au revoir.

Upcycle

Cosmetic containers: Some retailers, such as MAC, will give you a free item for return. If not, they can be used to make your very own makeup or to store other small hair accessories or jewelry.

Linens: Bed sheets aren't just for one purpose anymore. In today's world you can make a stylish teepee, save for an awesome fort or keep for extra dog or camping sheets.

Spaghetti and candle jars: Don't bother purchasing an extraordinary amount of Mason jars when you can get free jars with your spaghetti sauce and/or candles. Use the jars to make candles, organize craft supplies, as an easy savings method or for your very own DIY terrarium.

More in home

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1080306/the-ultimate-guide-to-organizing-your-garageMon, 04 May 2015 09:00:00 -0700http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1080298/signs-that-spring-cleaning-is-taking-over-your-life
Are you replacing your friends and lover with a dust pan and gloves? Have you been dreaming of checking off your cleaning list... twice? If so, it just may be time for a little spring cleaning intervention. 1. You have bleach stains on your good clothes

More in cleaning

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1080298/signs-that-spring-cleaning-is-taking-over-your-lifeTue, 21 Apr 2015 12:00:00 -0700http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1079160/how-to-store-linens-when-you-dont-have-a-linen-closet
Life without a linen closet can be a bit of a hassle, but we found some great storage solutions for all those towels, sheets and blankets piling up around your house.Don't let the lack of a linen closet be a mark against your home (or one you may be considering). You can find all sorts of creative ways to stow linens around the house, eliminating the need for a linen closet altogether.

Take a minimalist approach

First of all, you probably have more linens than you need. Go through your stash and be honest about how often you use what you have. Ditch anything that never goes into rotation, keeping enough on hand for house guests if you find yourself hosting frequently. The less you have, the less you have to store!

Store clean sheets under the mattress

Contemporary bedroom

Contemporary bedroom

Unless you store your cash there, the space between your mattress and box spring is the perfect spot to store a spare set of sheets. Cut back to two sets of sheets for each bed in the house — one on the bed and one hidden inside. This keeps your sheets clean and pressed and even cuts down on that musty linen closet odor.

Roll your towels instead of folding them

Contemporary bathroom

Contemporary bathroom

Not only can you fit more towels in a small space if you roll them, they will look extra fancy. You can basically pretend you live in a spa. Rolled towels can be stored in plain view, on shelves or in baskets. After you clear out excess bathroom clutter, washcloths will look especially nice displayed on the vanity for easy access.

Build a shelf over the bathroom door

Over door shelf

Over door shelf

This is one of those ideas that makes you wish you'd thought of it sooner. Even if you do have a linen closet, you are probably wasting a ton of potential storage space above doors in your home. Look for ready to assemble shelves in big box stores for a quick install.

Consider an étagère

Etagere

Etagere

Too much shelving in the bathroom, particularly over the toilet, can leave the room looking cluttered and junky and overstuffed. Choose an étagère with clean lines and a few deep shelves capable of handling your larger bath towels.

Bathroom shelves

Bathroom shelves

Rather than putting in a piece of furniture, you could also add a few simple shelves above the toilet or around the bathroom to similar effect.

Repurpose old furniture

Repurposed armoire

Repurposed armoire

Turns out you can make almost anything into a makeshift linen closet. Cabinets, dressers, buffets, china cabinets, bookcases — whatever you have lying around. Go with something small if you want to store it in the bathroom proper, but go bigger if you have the space in a guest room — where a dresser may otherwise sit empty — or a hallway to pull it off.

More storage solutions

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1079160/how-to-store-linens-when-you-dont-have-a-linen-closetMon, 06 Apr 2015 07:00:00 -0700http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1071047/inventive-home-products-that-make-cleaning-suck-less
Let's be honest, cleaning sucks! But don't worry, it can suck less with these 12 products meant to make your daily chores a heck of a lot easier. 1. Baseboard buddy

Not a fan of getting on your hands and knees to clean your baseboards? Baseboard buddy ($20) has come to your rescue! This ingenious product scrubs your baseboards to look brand new with little to no effort on your part.

2. Scrap trap

Chop veggies or butter your bread without the mess. Now instead of scraping crumbs into a pile that ends up half on your hands and half on the floor, the scrap trap allows you to shovel everything into one convenient tool (Amazon, $13).

3. Daddy Grill cleaning brush

If you thought steam cleaners were for clothes and floors only, you were wrong! The Daddy Grill cleaning brush uses the power of steam cleaning to remove food, grease and residue with a few simple strokes (Williams Sonoma, $60).

4. Bottle cleaners

Cleaning out a bottle is hard work, especially when it has a narrow lid. These edamame-shaped bottle scrubbers make washing as easy as pie. Simply drop the scrubber in the bottle with a drop of soap, then shake, rinse and remove (Moma Store, $12).

5. Retractable clotheslines

Save hard-earned cash on laundry costs by investing in one of these retractable clothes lines (Lee Valley & Veritas, $22 - $43). Keep in a laundry space to retract up to two to four clotheslines depending on your needs.

6. Sectioned cooking pan

No need to wash two or more pans when cooking — a sectioned cooking pan allows you to cook three entrees with one pan (Amazon, $18). With this gadget, it will make cooking easier than ordering takeout!

7. Remote control mop

8. Stemware savers

Wine connoisseurs no longer need to worry about broken stemware in the dishwasher. With these stemware savers, you can have your wine and drink it too (Quirky, $8).

9. Eye-vac

Bid your old, used and abused dustpan farewell and say hello the Eye-vac, an awesome stand-up, portable and electronic dustpan that allows you to sweep all of your debris into one convenient place (Wayfair, $119).

10. Microfiber cleaning slippers

11. Rubbermaid paint buddy

Save money and precious space by storing leftover paint in the Rubbermaid paint buddy (Amazon, $60). An amazing and small device, the paint buddy allows you to touch up paint with the push of a button.

12. Cyber clean

Keep your keyboard germ free with Cyber Clean. A resourceful putty, Cyber Clean can be used for nearly any home office product including your phone, camera and more (Office Depot, $9).

More cleaning tricks and tips

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1071047/inventive-home-products-that-make-cleaning-suck-lessFri, 06 Mar 2015 07:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1070823/ways-to-turn-your-door-into-extra-storage-space
Whether you're short on square footage or just have too much stuff, a door can be a great place to store extra stuff. Here are 14 ideas on how to utilize your door for maximum organization. 1. Kid station

3. Rails for accessories

Ikea does it again. No, the FINTORP rails aren't just for hanging kitchen items, they work excellently for hats, scarves and other accessories. Combine with shower clips to hang items or just drape them over a rail that's been attached to the inside or outside of a door.

5. Baby changing area

6. Crafty corner

An excellent combination of various storage methods, this craft station is organized beyond compare. Utilizing a plastic shoe organizer, peg board, wire racks and a small parts organizer, you can fit a lot of stuff into one space.

9. Metal + magnets = Perfection

It doesn't take much to create extra storage on your door using a sheet of metal and magnets. Use in the kitchen for spices or in your bathroom for makeup. And don't worry, it doesn't have to be boring! Sheet metal comes in a variety of designs and sizes and can always be covered by fabric for a more personalized style.

10. Above the door

Storage doesn't have to be limited to the door itself — you can always DIY extra space above it as well. An excellent option for towels or all of those extra hygiene items from your extreme couponing days.

12. Going woodsy

To limit the holes you put inside your closet door, drill a large piece of wood into the inside of the door. From there, you can hang baskets, hooks, magnet strips, nails and other organization tools for a convenient way to hang whatever you please.

More amazing tips to help you organize your home

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1070823/ways-to-turn-your-door-into-extra-storage-spaceFri, 27 Feb 2015 08:15:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1076711/green-cleaning-tips
No one likes dirt and grime but often the chemicals used to clean it up are much worse for our homes and our health than the dirt itself. The good news is there are several green cleaning options that work just as well and can also be a lot less expensive. Next time you need to do some cleaning look in your cupboards. Many of the items you need are just basic household products you probably already have. If not here's a basic green cleaning shopping list to get you started:

Vinegar

Rubbing alcohol (also known as surgical spirit)

Baking soda

Lemon

Olive oil

Essential oils (optional)

Green cleaning

Green cleaning

More cleaning tips

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1076711/green-cleaning-tipsWed, 21 Jan 2015 07:30:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1069919/closet-organization-questions-answered-by-a-design-expert
So, January is National Get Organized Month. Anyone organized yet? Me neither. Before we write off the idea of having a neat and orderly closet, here are some easy-to-implement closet-organizing tips to get it done from Ginny Snook Scott, chief design officer at California Closets.
1. Why organize your closet at all?

Image: California Closets

Merry Lucero: Let's first talk motivation. For those of us who do want to have an organized and orderly closet but get overwhelmed and give up when we start to sort, what are some benefits to getting organized that can help us to stay inspired through the project?

Ginny Snook Scott: In a recent California Closets survey, we found that more than half of respondents reported that disorganization makes them feel stressed and frustrated. While getting organized can seem like a daunting task, it is important to stay inspired through an organizing project by setting yourself up for success. This can be done by starting off with a small space, such as a linen closet or entryway closet, and giving yourself enough time to organize the entire space in one sitting. Invite a friend over to help, or include your family members. Play music, and make it fun!

ML: Taking everything out of my closet at once would be a huge mess. Is there a different approach to taking the first step before getting to sorting?

GSS: While I highly recommend starting with a completely blank slate, if this isn't possible, there are several other options. One option is to start small by focusing on one area of the space first. For example, in a closet, focus on shoes, then jeans, shirts, etc. This helps you maximize your efforts without creating a huge mess. Whether you start out small or overhaul the entire closet, make sure to organize the removed items into three piles: things to store away, keep for every day and donate. The "store" pile is for items that you feel sentimental about, such as your wedding dress or a baby blanket for your child. These should be stored somewhere else, such as the attic or a guest closet. The "keep" pile should only be those items that you wear regularly, and these should be returned to your closet. The "donate" pile should be anything that is out of style or does not fit any longer. Donate these to your favorite charity. Make sure to build in enough time to do the entire project at once. The key to success here is getting it all done so you can begin enjoying the sense of calm it will bring you immediately!

2. How do I know what stuff to let go of?

Image: California Closets

ML: One hurdle to getting organized is often just too much stuff. Even though we know it will be liberating to do so, for many it is difficult to let go of things that really aren't needed. Any tips for getting past the thought that, even if we haven't worn an item in a while, we might want to wear it again someday?

GSS: Give yourself permission to keep things of sentimental value or is a quality piece that might come back in five years, but release the items you are keeping only because you spent money to purchase them. If you haven't worn something in over six months, it is likely you won't wear it ever again. If clothing has stains, holes, missing buttons or simply doesn't fit, you need to let it go. For items that you are unsure of letting go, when you return them to your closet, hang them on the pole with the hanger facing backwards. If you end up wearing them, put them on the hanger right side out. Over the course of another six months, if any of your hangers are still backwards, that means you have not worn those items. This can help you make the decision to donate them or put them in storage to revisit at another time.

3. What is the best way to group items in your closet?

ML: Once we have decided what to keep, what is the best way to organize the remaining clothes, shoes and other items in our closets?

GSS: When placing things back into the closet, it is wise to group similar things together. First, determine if there are multiple users of the closet, and then identify which areas they will inhabit in the new space. After the closet has been divided, look at placing items back by item/type. For instance, place all blouses together and then all pants together and so on. Keeping like items in one area makes it much easier to find them when searching for what to wear. Ideally, folded items and handbags would be placed on shelves, and shoes are also brought up to eye level on shelves rather than stored on the floor.

ML: Are there additional steps we can take to help us continue to maintain the order we've created?

GSS: If you want to go one step further, you can additionally organize by color. Also, for maintenance of the categorized items, try to spend just a few minutes each day to make sure that items are returned to their specific area after use. In addition, when you come home with dry cleaning or are putting items away from the laundry, take the extra time to place each item in its designated space.

ML: What are some tips for maximizing the existing space in a closet?

GSS: The most valuable way to increase your space is to utilize the full vertical height of your closet. Building in two separate hanging levels for items will double the amount of hanging capacity in your closet. You can place a running top shelf at the very top of the closet and also include a shelf between the two hanging heights to have additional spaces for folded items.

ML: Finally, how can the average person help their closet be more aesthetically attractive and appealing?

GSS: You can aesthetically change the look of your closet with a few simple additions. If you have drawers and/or doors within your closet, look at upgrading your handles/knobs to decorative ones. This simple and inexpensive change can greatly improve the look of your space. You can also add in lighting to your closet or change out your existing fixture to a luxurious chandelier. Again, with limited investment, this can change the look and feel of your space and make it uniquely yours!

More in closet creativity

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1069919/closet-organization-questions-answered-by-a-design-expertWed, 14 Jan 2015 09:01:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1068669/signs-you-might-be-a-hoarder
The beginning of the new year for many of us is a time to take organizing seriously. We check out all the nifty Pinterest tips and SheKnows home organizing tricks then start evaluating, purging and rearranging our possessions to make our life easier. Not you? Is organizing a horrifying endeavor because you have too much stuff? You may have a serious problem. Here are 14 signs you may be a hoarder.1. One guinea pig just wasn't enough.

Don't become a hoarder! Try these organization tips instead

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1068669/signs-you-might-be-a-hoarderWed, 07 Jan 2015 06:19:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1057463/tidy-rooms-to-make-clean-freaks-rejoice
You don't have to be a total neatnik to appreciate a nice, tidy space. An inviting blend of cozy and clutter-free, these 12 rooms will resonate with the inner clean freak in all of us.

Carrie Waller of Dream Green DIY's living room is the embodiment of polished and pretty. We want. We want, we want, we want. Everything feels at once orderly and symmetrical, and it's a to-die-for combination.

We all know that, of all the spaces in the house, the kids' playroom has the most potential for utter chaos. And haven't we all suffered the Lego-to-foot fallout from that at some point? Jen from I Heart Organizing proves that with a solid organization system in place, the playroom can be neat, functional and — most importantly — fun.

In further proof IKEA's Expedit shelves are an interior design godsend, this sweet office is a marriage of convenient and kid-friendly. Ish & Chi's Viv made her office kid-proof — while keeping it clutter-free — by bolting the shelves to the wall and making room for some of her son Robert's toys.

Be still, our hearts! Everything about Sarah Dorsey's amazing home makes us feel all aflutter. We especially love her inspired idea of using a chic, high-gloss white credenza to hide all of those unsightly but wholly necessary supplies like printers and papers.

Meanwhile, right on the other side of that glorious office space, Dorsey made the most use of the square footage she had left by using a minty blue open shelving unit to section off a living space — which, you guessed it, is just as gorgeous and organized.

In the hierarchy of play things that really suck to step on with your tender bare feet, Matchbox cars come in second only to LEGOs. Lo of A Lo and Behold life found an expertly adorable way to nip that potential pain the bud with this clever DIY Matchbox car "garage."

On a scale from 1 to 10, how weird is it to dream about having an office with a designated drawer, cubby, nook or cranny to store everything? Because we totally do — and this fantastic work space by A Bowl Full of Lemons is definitely the stuff dreams are made of.

Much like an organized office makes our professional selves swoon, a smartly coordinated kids' room woos our maternal sides. From DIY toy storage cubbies to ceiling-height book shelves, this playroom has all the right storage in all the right places.

Hey, just because it's a garage doesn't mean it has to be messy. Sure, garages tend to catch the overflow from the rest of the house, which is precisely why we adore the idea of a garage outfitted with a few of these DIY toy — or whatever! — storage bins.

More on home organization

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1057463/tidy-rooms-to-make-clean-freaks-rejoiceMon, 29 Dec 2014 12:30:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1052197/closet-secrets-of-the-stars
Celebrities are known for their enviable, jaw-dropping closets. And we're not talking tiny closets either. These things are massively expansive — <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2014/04/16/9-things-mariah-careys-house-has-that-yours-doesnt/" target="_blank">Mariah Carey's boutique-like closet</a> in her Manhattan penthouse is bigger than most people's apartments .Obviously we don't expect celebs to do the grunt work of figuring out how to color code their Louboutins or keep track of which clothes they already wore (once!). Lisa Adams, owner of LA Closet Design, knows what it takes to create a killer closet. She's a luxury closet designer with a long roster of celebrity clients including Fergie, Jaime King, Kris Jenner, Kyle Richards, Whitney Port and Jillian Michaels. Adams keeps her style-savvy clients happy by creating a space that's fully functional, yet high style.

Photo credit: Lisa Adams/LA Closet Design

Here are her secrets:

Celebrity closet must-haves

At first glance, some of the most popular celebrity closet requests don't seem that much different from a standard luxury closet — TV, seating space and refrigerator — but some requests are special for celeb status.

Vanity and makeup stations are a no-brainer, but Adams says even special cosmetic refrigerators are requested. 'Cause keeping your $300, two-ounce tub of La Mer on the counter just isn't an option.

A three-way mirror with a platform for tailoring is a must. After all, how else can you make sure your bum is paparazzi photo ready?

Seems ridiculous, but totally necessary

When asked which closet amenity seems ridiculous to have, Adams confessed, "I might be the wrong person to ask — I am all for closet amenities in a closet, as ridiculous as they might seem!"

"Celebrities love a purse prep station — a pull-out table and drawer to store your purse contents and make the process of changing out purses easier."

"It might seem like an over-the-top request in a closet, but one every woman and her closet can appreciate."

Celebrities have what in their closets?

Celebs are known for their eccentric demands. Here are a few crazy requests Adams has had to pull off:

Stripper poll

Temperature-controlled cabinets

A three-story closet

Storage for weapons

Creating custom 24-karat gold skull-and-crystal drawer knobs

Changing table for a dog (yes, you read that right)

Best perk of hiring a closet designer

No, it's not the rows of color-coordinated shoes or the ability to pop a bottle of champagne as you're putting on your undies (although that's a close second). The best part about hiring a pro is all the ways they help you stay organized.

Adams explains, "I have also cataloged each item in a closet and created an app for it, so my client can preset outfits for the week and in preparation for trips."

Um, that sounds pretty freaking fantastic, right?

Steal the look

Unfortunately, having a dressing room the size of a Manhattan apartment just isn't in the cards for most of us. But we can still create our own version of a killer closet.

Photo credit: Lisa Adams/LA Closet Design

Adams' playbook for creating a luxury closet for less

Lose the wire and plastic hangers and get matching hangers for your closet.

Add baseboards and crown molding to create a more finished look.

Add a chandelier and ottoman.

Update your knobs and handles.

Install pull-out valet hooks.

If you dish out the big bucks for creating your dream closet, of course you'll want to keep it organized.

"My top tip for having an organized closet is to assign a place for every item in your closet — if everything has its place, then maintaining an organized closet becomes that much easier," Adams shares.

"Within drawers, use partitioned drawer inserts to keep contents within the drawers organized and in their place. Within shelves, use acrylic or glass dividers to keep purses and sweater stacks tidy."

More closet inspiration

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1052197/closet-secrets-of-the-starsWed, 12 Nov 2014 07:30:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1025921/organization-life-hacks
It's not too late to get more organized. We've rounded up 50 home organization ideas to make things a little easier around your abode. Try tackling one a week for the ultimate organization makeover.

More organization ideas

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1025921/organization-life-hacksMon, 03 Nov 2014 14:06:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1053175/inside-giuliana-rancics-closet
If an OCD organizer fell in love with a fashionista, the result would be Giuliana Rancic's highly organized closet filled with gorgeous pieces. Get a peek inside her droolworthy space as LA Closet Design owner Lisa Adams breaks down her secrets for organizing success.

As a co-anchor on E! News and co-host of Fashion Police, Giuliana Rancic is repeatedly on the front line of celebrity fashion and style. As someone who constantly critiques other's fashion decisions, you better believe Rancic has her ducks in a row when it comes to her own style sense.

Her closet — which is really more like a small boutique — is the perfect setting for Rancic to quickly pull together a Hollywood-worthy look.

Rancic has celebrity closet designer Lisa Adams to thank for her enviable space. As owner and principal designer of LA Closet Design, Adams is a pro at creating luxe dressing rooms for her celebrity clients.

"I love this closet for Giuliana," Adams tells us. "It fits the house and her style and personality so well."

Here, Adams gives us a virtual tour of Rancic's closet and shares her secret formula for organizing a killer closet.

Light and bright

Fierce purse collection aside, what takes Rancic's 200-square-foot custom closet to the next level is the gorgeous design and finishes. Adams tells us that Benjamin Moore's White Dove paint with a satin lacquer finish was used in the space, giving it that boutique-like feel and making it easier to see the closet's contents.Oil-rubbed bronze hardware adds a layer of contrasting richness. A fun Circa Lighting chandelier kicks the style up a notch while complementing all the other closet lighting.

Strategic accessory zones

With a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry and an MBA under her belt, Adams is known for being super strategic with her organizing solutions.

She thoughtfully created different "zones" throughout Rancic's closet.

"I wanted clothing to be at the back of the closet, then purses, shoes and jewelry as you are leaving the closet," Adams explains. "This coincides with the way Giuliana dresses and flows through the closet, so when she's in a hurry or needs to change a few times in a day, it's that much easier for her."

"There is a suede panel for her hanging jewelry, as well as partitioned drawers for her fine jewelry. A mirror conceals the jewelry panel next to the door, so with a quick glance at herself, Giuliana is out the door!"

More closet inspiration

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1053175/inside-giuliana-rancics-closetMon, 03 Nov 2014 13:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1052195/ways-to-organize-using-old-kleenex-boxes
Cold season is upon us, and tissue boxes are a hot commodity in the home. Before you throw away your next empty box, take a look at these 12 ideas to upcycle it into an inexpensive organization hack. DIY drawer organizers

Recipe box

Sure you've got Pinterest to save all of your favorite recipes, but those can never replace Grandma's handwritten index cards. Make an homage to the old days by turning a tissue box into a timeless recipe box you can pass along for years to come.

Utensil holder

Your next party just got so much better! Save your old tissue boxes to decorate for the party's theme and utilize them for utensils. Best part? You can toss them in the garbage once the party is over for easy cleanup.

More in organizing

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1052195/ways-to-organize-using-old-kleenex-boxesFri, 17 Oct 2014 14:22:00 -0700http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1050901/painting-life-hacks
Get the accent wall without the stress. Here are 15 hacks to help you paint your walls like a pro. Skip paint fumes and enjoy the scent of vanilla while you paint